HC Deb 18 February 1901 vol 89 c302
* SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if he can state what was the effective strength of noncommissioned officers and men of the British forces in India on 1st January, 1896; 1st January, 1897: 1st January, 1898; 1st January, 1899; 1st January, 1900; and 1st January, 1901.

LORD G. HAMILTON

The effective strength of non-commisioned officers and men of the British forces in India on the 1st January in each year from 1896 to 1901 was as follows:—1st January, 1896, 70,615; 1897, 70,400; 1898, 67,808; 1899, 68,578: 1900, 64,213; 1901, 58,702.

CAPTAIN NORTON

How many of the men now serving in India are serving beyond their terms of engagement?

LORD G. HAMILTON

was understood to reply: A very considerable number—probably about 12,000.

MR. CAINE

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if he can state what was the strength in non-commissioned officers and men of the forces on the Indian establishment in India, British and native respectively, on 1st January, 1901.

LORD G. HAMILTON

The strength in non-commissioned officers and men of the forces on the Indian establishment in India on 1st January, 1901, was: British, 58,702; native, 127,666.